Opening day hero Michael Jacobs dissects our 3-2 victory against Sheffield Wednesday and looks ahead to our first away day at Aston Villa.

WATCH: Michael Jacobs chats to iFollow Latics about the opening day victory against Sheffield Wednesday.

Crackers netted twice at the DW Stadium on Saturday as Latics won 3-2 against the Owls.

Forward heaps praise on debutants, the atmosphere at the DW and Latics' attacking intent as instructed by boss Paul Cook.

As the dust settled following Latics' impressive 3-2 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on the opening day of the 2018-19 Sky Bet Championship season at the DW Stadium, Michael Jacobs sat down with iFollow Latics to reflect on what he called a 'fantastic' day.

"We started the game really well. It was important that we started on the front foot with it being our first game of the season and at home, we got at them straight away.

"Scoring a couple of goals is always a fantastic feeling, but I have to credit everyone with doing so well. It's a great start for us and it gives us a platform to go into the Aston Villa game."

14,207 attended Saturday's victory, and Jacobs said his team mates used the 'fantastic' atmosphere created to keep them on the front foot.

"The atmosphere was fantastic on Saturday. Sheffield Wednesday brought a big following and our fans always seem to thrive off that. It made for a very entertaining game with the five goals and endless opportunities for us.

"It was a fantastic game to be involved in, a great atmosphere and I'm sure it will be the same at the weekend at Villa Park."

The atmosphere coupled with Latics' aim of attacking from the off was a recipe for success on Saturday, as Jacobs continued:

"The way the manager told us to go out and attack the game gave us more license to express ourselves. A couple of years ago we didn't set up to take the games to teams as much as we should have done and that led to us getting relegated.

"This year the manager wants to play his way no matter who we face, which is great for us attacking players but I'm not sure the keeper and defenders will be too pleased. All joking aside, we always work hard, defend as a unit and attack as a unit."

Latics handed debuts to four players, including three of the back for, with left back Antonee Robinson and centre back Cedric Kipre only signing for the club 24 hours before kick off, whilst right back Reece James was making his first professional appearance.

"Our debutants were fantastic. We couldn't really ask for much more from them. We've all got specific roles within the team and they adapted really well in a short space of time.

"Reece James was outstanding on his debut. Doing that as a 19-year-old is a tough ask in this division. He dealt with the ball well, did his job, and he looks like he's going to be a real top player for us.

"We've built on what we did last year with the new players and it's great to see Christian (Walton) back for another year. Hopefully we can continue what we're building because we've got a tough run of games coming up, but Saturday just goes to show that we can embrace these fixtures.

More than 1,000 Latics supporters will make the trip to Aston Villa this coming Saturday, another excellent opportunity for Jacobs and his team mates to show what they are all about.

"Playing against teams like Aston Villa is the reason you work so hard to get promoted out of League One. The opportunity to play at grounds like Villa Park and test yourself against teams like Stoke City and West Brom is what you want to do every week. Saturday is a great opportunity for us and as a group we're looking forward to it."

Jacobs' second goal on Saturday was his 49th career league strike and 27th for Latics, and when asked about the milestone of hitting 50, Jacobs laughed:

"It makes me feel old when I think about, 27 this year so I'm getting on a bit and I think I might have to start scoring a few more goals.

"It's a great stat, but I just concentrate on enjoying my football and this club is the place I've enjoyed playing my football the most.

"After one week it's nice to be up there with the highest scorers in the Championship, but I'm sure that'll all change pretty quickly."